Best US Domestic or JDM travel rods? Also JDM reel recommendations?

[RipHair]

I live in the city so most of my fishing involves travel whether it's by motorcycle or plane. I have 4 or 5 St Croix Triumph 4p rods in M and MH, they are all 6'6. They've done me good the past 5+ years but learned about some of the JDM offerings and excited to try them out.

 

I heard about Megabass Levante but then realized Orochi XXX are most likely superior in quality but they are completely sold out everywhere in Japan. My wife is over there now so she can certainly pick up anything as long as it's in stock. If anyone knows of a place in Japan that has it in stock please let me know. Otherwise, what are some other 4 or 5p travel rods I should look at? Shimano Poisson Ultima 5p looks like a sick rod but it's super expensive - I think I would probably rather upgrade 2 of my rods instead of 1 for that price.

 

For reels, I currently have a Abu Revo STX 7.1:1 and a bass pro $99 one that is near it's end of life. She already got me a Shimano Scorpion DC 2021 in 8.5:1 so I'm excited about that. Any other reel recommendations? I was thinking about dedicating a M rod to more BFS/finesse, was planning on using the Scorpion for that but perhaps there's a better reel to pair? I guess I should really be mixing BFS in here as I think it's a completely different class but just mentioning it in case.

 

If it helps, I fish for mostly bass avg'ing 3lb but up to 10lb sometimes and mostly.

 

 

[king fisher]

Diawa Ardito travel rods.  I own three, one medium, and two medium heavy.  I have landed two bass over 10 pounds cranking with the medium so far this year.  I have caught many bass, and numerous other species both fresh and saltwater with all three.  Highly recommend them.  I use Diawa coastal, and Tatula CT reels on mine, but if you want to put a Shimano reel on, I'm sure it will work fine.  Just don't stand near me during a lightning storm if you do.

[ATA]

Shimano Shaula 4 Pcs They have two M and MH. Best JDM Travel rod in my idea. I have one baitcaster  paired with Metanuim DC 15 and all this years I had lots of fishing with it and The never let me down.

[RipHair]

11 minutes ago, ATA said:

Shimano Shaula 4 Pcs They have two M and MH. Best JDM Travel rod in my idea. I have one baitcaster  paired with Metanuim DC 15 and all this years I had lots of fishing with it and The never let me down.

Having trouble finding the 4p rod. Do you know your model number? There are a ton on JDM tackle heaven but as well I don't see the 4p on amazon.co.jp or Shimano's site.

[ATA]

yes wait ill send you

1 hour ago, RipHair said:

Having trouble finding the 4p rod. Do you know your model number? There are a ton on JDM tackle heaven but as well I don't see the 4p on amazon.co.jp or Shimano's site.

 

1652R-4

 

They have another models also.

[RipHair]

Thanks a lot, I managed to find it by model#. I think I should be able to find this in stock if not in Japan then I have a buddy in Singapore that can pick it up.

 

I'll have to read some reviews and see how this differs from Megabass - I actually kind of liked the snake finish on the Orochi XXX, also is 6'10 instead of 6'6 but I'll check out the other models.

[Diggy]

 

 

[Pasquale.angler]

Hi, as a reel I recommend the new metanium 20. It launches really far, starting from 1 / 4oz. In addition to being robust, because it is made of monocoque. Personally I believe the millet reel as value for money. DC are only useful in headwinds. 

[RipHair]

2 hours ago, Pasquale.angler said:

Hi, as a reel I recommend the new metanium 20. It launches really far, starting from 1 / 4oz. In addition to being robust, because it is made of monocoque. Personally I believe the millet reel as value for money. DC are only useful in headwinds. 

Thanks for pointing this reel out. Here I was thinking the Scorpion DC was the best but this one looks amazing. Does it have to be made in Japan or is the one from the US (basspro) good as well?

[Pasquale.angler]

18 hours ago, RipHair said:

Grazie per aver segnalato questo mulinello. Qui stavo pensando che lo Scorpion DC fosse il migliore, ma questo sembra fantastico. Deve essere prodotto in Giappone o va bene anche quello statunitense (basspro)?

Hi, I use the jdm version which you should find at $ 300. The American version never tried, but I think it changes little. As mentioned the best reel with quality / price ratio ever tried so far. Best regards.

[Fishingmickey]

     I can vouch for the JDM Met 20's I have a couple and they are sweet, sweet reels. I have a Shimano Scorpion travel rod in five piece. I fished it for the first time couple of weeks ago while on vacation in Maine. It's a very nice rod that doesn't feel like a five piece. I also got a St Croix Avid Trek travel rod in spinning that pretty nice. I have two of the Diawa Ardito's one casting, one spinning. Shimano has also come out with a Zodias 5pc MH casting travel rod. I've got it on pre-order from Tackle Direct. Supposed to be shipping this fall.

  Finding good travel rods for bass fishing is really tough. I've been replacing some gear that got stolen. I've been shopping/eyeballing for about a year now. 

Here's a link to the Zodias.

Happy hunting,

FM

 

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-zodias-5-piece-travel-rods.html

[fishwizzard]

On 9/19/2021 at 2:00 PM, Diggy said:

 

 

I don’t have the travel rods, but the normal BLX line is incredible for the money. 

[Hulkster]

I would be getting one of the new St. Croix Avid Trek rods since the Loomis Escape models are discontinued. 

[RipHair]

Thanks for all the responses so far. Curious about this St Croix Avid Trek, it must be new because when I loaded up on St Croix Triumphs I think those were the only travel rods by them.

 

Still really like going with the underdog Megabass and love the look of the Orochi XXX but there are some really nice suggestions here. I guess I need to narrow things down to 2 different rods each at $200-500 instead of 1 rod for $600+.

 

Would be curious to know what to expect from these more expensive rods compared to the Triumph rods i've been using the last 8+ years, was using ugly sticks before that and suffice it to say the Triumphs were a sweet upgrade!

[Firstoutfisher]

Okuma has a new line called the voyager rod. They look very promising. Good components for the cost. Although you won’t find any feedback on them. Okuma isn’t very popular and the rods just came out. 

[UmairF]

Hey any update on this post?

 

I’m interested in either the Megabass Triza or the Zodias travel set. Any opinions on these two? How are the build quality and sensitivity?

 

Probably will get one casting and one spinning.

 

Thanks!

[Darth-Baiter]

6 hours ago, UmairF said:

Hey any update on this post?

 

I’m interested in either the Megabass Triza or the Zodias travel set. Any opinions on these two? How are the build quality and sensitivity?

 

Probably will get one casting and one spinning.

 

Thanks!

I have the Triza Dragoon.  It’s crazy good. I was casting a top water far!   I battled some good stripers easily.  It’s going to Brazil with me in a few months.